We flew out of Boston just two weeks before 911, and from the same airport where the terrorists took off. We have a friend who was in the Boston Marathon, and we are relieved to hear she is well and safe. It’s astounding how close terror comes to us. If it is not us directly affected, it may be someone we know or just another step removed. Even if we don’t have a direct connection, the television screen and internet record the faces of people just like you and I…we shake our head and get a knot in our stomach as we consider the ramifications of evil acts towards innocent people. How could this be happening? Again we are in national crisis.

History records time and time again, “man’s inhumanity toward man.” How could it be that this human race that is capable of building hospitals and sending people to the moon and sending missionaries into dangerous tribes to share the peace of Christ can also bring into being those who would instigate acts of terror on the innocent? It’s frightening to think of what we, as human beings, are capable of given the wrong circumstances, bad influences, and an openness to play at evil like it’s nothing to take seriously. Lord, have mercy.

Thoughts matter. Thoughts lead to actions. Actions can be for incredible good, like those who ran into harm’s way today to rescue the injured, or actions can be horrific, like the one(s) who put those bombs together. What we think has enormous consequences. What we choose to fill our mind with, day-by-day, influences others for the good or the bad. Very little in life is neutral.

Have mercy on us God. We need You. Please comfort the grieving, heal the hurting, give strength and energy to those who are giving of themselves on a level more than they can handle to make a difference for good in this situation. Use, as only You can, even this devastating crisis to bring about the best that people can be. Send those with courageous acts of love and determination to make the world better directly to combat those who would obey evil impulses. Fill the helpers with Your Spirit! Protect them, supply them with superhuman energy and inspire them with Your greatness! We cry out to You, Lord Jesus, our hope. We acknowlege that You understand suffering like no other, because You went to the cross on our behalf. You said, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.” Lord, have mercy on us.